Yi Chen and Jean walked toward Mondstadt while discussing dinner plans.
The sunset stretched their shadows long, the mood relaxed and warm.
Suddenly, a cold, arrogant female voice pierced the air behind them.
"Well, well. To think the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt would have the leisure to meet privately with a noble, when the city has just suffered a dragon attack and lies in disarray."
The malice in the tone instantly soured Yi Chen's mood.
He frowned and turned around irritably.
Who's this brave soul asking for trouble?
But when he saw who stood there, his annoyance turned to surprise.
Rosalyne, La Signora, Harbinger of the Fatui, stood with several Fatui vanguards behind her.
She maintained her usual lofty demeanor—but when she saw Yi Chen's face, she too paused awkwardly.
The atmosphere turned strange.
"…Lady Rosalyne?"
Yi Chen broke the silence.
"What brings you to Mondstadt?"
She coughed lightly, brushing a strand of blonde hair aside.
She hadn't expected the Liyue acquaintance—the one who once asked her for an autograph—to show up here.
Dressed neatly, no less.
She quickly composed herself, returning to her cold mask.
"…Yi Chen, was it? Long time no see."
"Yeah! Long time!"
Yi Chen smiled easily and, as if nothing were strange at all, invited her:
"We're about to eat—want to join us? Mondstadt food is pretty good!"
Signora: "..."
She stared at him, momentarily at a loss.
Declining felt petty. Accepting felt absurd.
A Fatui Harbinger dining with Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master?
After a pause, she shook her head.
"No need. I've already eaten."
She turned to leave, then stopped and added coolly,
"If you have any… other matters, you may find me at the Goth Grand Hotel."
She emphasized "other."
Yi Chen's eyes lit up.
"Got it! I'll come tomorrow for your autograph!"
Signora: "..."
Her lips twitched.
Without another word, she left briskly with her troops—her retreat oddly hurried.
Jean watched them go, then turned to Yi Chen with a complicated look.
"You… know a Fatui Harbinger?"
Yi Chen waved it off casually.
"Oh, her? We met by chance in Liyue. Nothing special."
His focus had already shifted.
"So… Acting Grand Master, roast meat or fried fish?"
Jean sighed inwardly.
She knew better than to pry.
At least, from what she saw, the relationship wasn't hostile.
And for now… dinner came first.